JAMfest is an international event production company that hosts approximately seventy cheer and dance competitions across the United States, Europe, and Canada. We are based in Louisville, Kentucky, and we employ a courteous and energetic staff that sets the bar high when it comes to customer service. One of our company’s core values is to “Create a lot of fun and excitement,” and that’s just what we do at every event. At JAMfest, we FUEL YOUR SPIRIT in so many ways…

We make it FUN for spectators of all ages… Our events are always FREE ADMISSION* – no lines, no tickets, no hefty admission fee. Just an open door to come and go as you please! JAMfest Events allow any spectator to photograph and video their team’s performances, and personal cameras of all kinds are welcome. If an athlete has brothers, sisters, cousins or friends coming to watch at JAMfest, we also have a super fun inflatable fun zone that they can play in for FREE!

*Six Flags Thrill JAM is not a free admission event due to the fees that Six Flags imposes in order to enter the theme park.**Cheer Super Nationals is not a free admission event. Admission is $15/day or $25/weekend per person.

Do you know this face?? Chances are that if you’ve been in this industry for any time at all that you definitely know! This is our amazing mascot, JAMMY! He attends every event and is always on the lookout for the next Spirit Award winner. Because JAMMY has become the icon of JAMfest, we now also have an awards show in his honor. The JAMMY Awards take place annually at JAMfest Cheer Super Nationals, and aim to recognize and show genuine appreciation for the people in our industry who are using their SPIRIT for more than just a cheer or dance routine.

JAMfest is big on recognizing teams for more than just having the best performance at events too! We give staff-nominated Spirit and Sportsmanship Awards at every session, in addition to judges choice Best Choreography and Most Entertaining Awards. JAMfest is known for throwing out tons of free stuff at every event, so you don’t have to be an athlete to take away a cool souvenir! Look out for frisbees, koozies, squishy balls and more to come flying through the crowd all day long!

JAMfest was founded in 1995 by Aaron Flaker and Emmitt Tyler. Dan Kessler later became a partner of JAMfest, and all three are currently the co-owners and founders of the JAM Brands. The JAM Brands is the parent company of JAMfest, LIVE!, COA, Coastal, GLCC, America’s Best, Game Day, JAMwear, as well as a partner of the NLCC to produce The U.S. Finals series of events. To learn more about the JAM Brands, check out www.jambrands.com.

Hi! My name is Tara Harris, Vice President of Sales for The JAM Brands. I started in gymnastics and dance when I was about 4 years old in Maryland, then we moved to Virginia where I gave up on gymnastics (I wasn't going to the Olympics anyways) and continued my dancing career. The "cheer bug" got me in middle school - I just loved being on the sidelines! So, when my parents told me we were moving to Kentucky "the Cheerleading Mecca" – I was super excited!

Although, I quickly learned that I probably should've stuck to gymnastics – since it is a necessity in Kentucky cheerleading. But, thanks many private lessons, I made the Eastern High School Cheerleading team where I was coached by our very own, Dan Kessler! I was fortunate enough to also be a part of the National Champion University of Louisville All Girl team. Throughout my high school and college career, I also coached and choreographed for many school and all star teams.

I am back home in Louisville, KY after a five year tour of the Midwest (yes I've lived in four states in five years). My husband and I welcomed our first son, Hayden in August 2013. For me, the best part of my career is the relationships that I have built with many gym owners and coaches around the country. Feeling like a part of so many gym "families" has been a blessing to me and something that I will cherish for many years. I'm always here with an open ear and I would love to hear from you.

I started in the cheer/dance industry as a nationally competitive dancer on the studio circuit. My love of cheerleading was realized in high school, and I went on to cheer on the nationally-ranked all-girl team at George Mason University, serving as the team's captain. While in college, I was a UCA head instructor, where I received extensive technical training. Since then, I've coached, choreographed & tumbled some of the top high school and all-star teams in Maryland & Virginia, including Cheer Madness, Cheer Dynasty, Maryland Twisters, and USA All Stars. In addition to coaching, I've judged nationally for various companies & continue to speak at conferences.

I made the leap to the event side of the cheer industry in 2008, as a Rep for The Coastal Corporation. I love relating to coaches on issues that they are having and helping with all facets of the industry. I've experienced it ALL, from ALL the different perspectives. Presently, I am the JAMcare rep for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and serve as a liaison to the creative team at Coastal. Because I love the interaction with the kids, I continue to coach a local high school and at the all star gym in my hometown. Beyond cheer/dance, my proudest achievement is without a doubt the birth of my son, Kimper (no really, it counts as an achievement, he was 10lbs, 8 oz… not a c-section!!).

Hi guys! My name is Alyssa Rodger and I am the JAMcare Rep for the Central US. I was born and raised in Manassas, Virginia, and now reside in Louisville, Kentucky. The first time I got involved in cheerleading was in 6th grade, where I had decided to try out for my middle school's team only because I liked their uniforms. After my first practice I realized I was going to like much more than just the uniforms, and my passion for cheer grew quickly. I entered the all-star world a few years later with Cheer Dynasty, and competed on their large co-ed team all through high school.

Going into college, I received the honor to cheer at the University of Louisville, which is by far one of the greatest experiences I've ever had. The football and basketball games were amazing, and I earned four national titles in Daytona with the small co-ed team. I was awarded an academic scholarship when attending UofL, and graduated in 2011 with a degree in Sport Administration.

When I'm not working, you will always find me doing something. I love staying active and playing all kinds of sports, and of course cheering on the Cards any second I can. I love meeting new people and look forward to getting to know everyone!

Look familiar? You may recognize Francesca, she has been a part of our JAMcare team as the Sales Coordinator for this past season. She's done it all-Rec, All-Star, High School and Collegiate cheerleading in addition to coaching for years! Francesca is super excited about her new role as your JAMcare Representative, and can't wait to get to know you!

Addison grew up in Arizona doing competitive gymnastics and transferred to All Star Cheerleading at the ripe old age of 9. She cheered through high school and on all star national champion squads that earned Worlds bids every year. After high school, Addison was a member of the Blue Squad at the University of Kentucky, home of the 20 time National Champion Wildcats. Being a cheerleader has taken Addison all over the country with competitions and appearances. Representing her team at the highest level has been such an honor and the people she has met along the way have provided lifelong friendships and memories. She looks forward to building relationships with her new JAM Brands customers.

Sydney has an extensive cheerleading background as a Gym Owner, Judge, and Coach. She was chosen as a member of the inaugural USASF Next Generation of Leaders program in 2012 and has also served on the Southeast Regional Advisory Board. She has presented on topics such as Junior Coach training at the USASF regional meetings and is a huge advocate of developing new ways to get more athletes involved in All star Cheerleading. She looks forward to working together with Gym owners and programs across the Southeast to help grow our Industry.